Catalonia

Catalonia: Why go

This region of Spain stretches from the Pyrenees to the sandy beaches of the Costa Brava and includes a volcanic national park, Michelin-starred restaurants, pretty medieval towns and lovely Girona.

Don’t be put off by the reputation of the Costa Brava - north of Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar you’ll find quiet coves, classy beaches and seaside towns with neoclassical architecture. Culture is everywhere, from the inspiring Dalí Triangle, which includes his house, his dramatic and surreal museum and the castle he bought his wife, to ancient medieval towns and hilltop fortresses.

And of course, there’s golf. But not just any golf - some of the best in the world, in scenic coastal courses and up in the mountains. Sports fans are spoilt for choice with walking, watersports and snorkelling in offshore nature reserves, plus cycling in an area so good for those on 2 wheels that Lance Armstrong based himself here.

Many of the small villages between Girona and the coast are untouched by time and mass tourism and are prized as weekender spots for Barcelonans in the know. And now, we hope, you.